Disco 2 Testing for diesel in the oil?

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S

SteveClv

Active Member
Posts
145
Location
Sherborne, Dorset
Is there a way to test for diesel in the oil?
The other day I noticed that the dipstick was reading high - wasn't sure if it was my fault or not so I did a quick drain and refill - the oil in the bucket looked, well just like black engine oil. No film floating on it etc.
When I refilled it with new oil, I left it between Low and High. Then I towed the caravan down to Cornwall and worked it hard (21mpg) and went to check the oil this morning for the return journey and it was up to the High level. Now I am convinced I have leaking O rings.
Drove the caravan back home and went to check the oil level again fearing the worst and it's back to between Low and High (after about an hour after stopping).

I am so confused - don't want to change the O rings unless I need to - so hoping there is a way to detect if diesel is getting into the oil.

On all occasions then truck appeared to be on the flat - certainly not on a slope.
 
I find the level can vary quite a bit if the car's on a slope front - rear or vice versa. Unfortunately my drive slopes a bit so checking is a bit hit & miss.

As said, testing after the engine has been running is also misleading.
 
Leave on flat ground overnight and check in the morning when stone cold, even a short run time can seriously mess up dip stick readings.
 
lynall said:
Leave on flat ground overnight and check in the morning when stone cold, even a short run time can seriously mess up dip stick readings.
Click to expand...

As above. If you had leaking O rings, then they would probably be leaking all the time the engine was running - and thus your oil level would be rising all the time so to speak...

( this is more trouble than it's worth... but... ) You can dip the oil on a slope, BUT you need to have checked it first on the level, and then you know where it should be..... BUT same applies - leave overnight to drain back into the sump..... then you know where you are, as it were.... If you can park in the same place, on the same slope, and leave overnight again, then you can check your oil with your reference level, rather than LR's....:rolleyes:

The few times I've got involved in oil testing it has been quite expensive - Can you borrow someone else's nose ???
 
I think if it doesn't smell of diesel, likely that it's not got any diesel in it, just keep and eye on it and see if it goes up anymore ;)
 
Rechecked again where I originally filled it and it's back to where it should be. Seems to be very sensitive to even a slight slope! Thanks all - panic over :)
 
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